Wohooo I have another family...

[playfelt]

I f you have an annual contract the comes up for renewal then that totally gives you an out and you can let them know that given the uncertainty of their situation that you will not be renewing their contract in July but will continue to offer week by week service until the new family starts and give the date. Tell them that you have loved looking after child XXX and are sorry to see them go but since daycare is your source of income you need to protect the integrity of the program by signing on children that will remain in the program. ie when they move although they say they will stay and they may be limiting their house hunting area so they can stay. If nothing else it will let the family know that you need committments. If you do let the family resign then they also need to provide a security bond of sorts just in case they change their minds.

[Momof4]

I renew my contract every Nov. 1st as playfelt mentioned. It's because I'm still learning so much every year and I always have changes and updates and write a letter to all the parents a couple months before the contract renews to warn them of any major changes and ask them to talk to me ahead of time if they have any issues with my changes. So far nobody has every questioned my policies or changes.

Be fair and give the families warning and you will never have any problems when they respect and appreciate you as part of the team raising their child.